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Republicans have delayed a vote on the health care bill they were hoping to pass Thursday — on the seventh anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

Among the elements of the bill up for debate is an end to mandatory coverage of basic mental health care and addiction services. The Republican bill calls for the elimination of "essential health benefits." Those are 10 areas of medical care that are required to be covered by insurers under Obamacare. They include emergency services, pediatric care and mental health.

Among the most vocal members of Congress pushing for mental health and addiction coverage to remain intact is Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy. He joins WBUR's All Things Considered.